WAC 388-97-0880. Environment

The nursing home must provide and maintain: (1) A safe, clean, comfortable, and homelike environment, allowing the resident to use their personal belongings to the extent possible; (2) Housekeeping and maintenance services necessary to maintain a sanitary, orderly, and comfortable interior; (3) Comfortable and safe temperature levels: (a) Facilities licensed after October 1, 1990, must maintain a temperature range of 71 to 81 degrees Fahrenheit; and (b) Regardless of external weather conditions, all nursing homes must develop and implement procedures and processes to maintain a temperature level that is comfortable and safe for residents; (4) Comfortable sound levels, to include: (a) Minimizing the use of the public address system to ensure each use is in the best interest of the residents; and (b) Taking reasonable precautions with noisy services so as not to disturb residents, particularly during their sleeping time; and (5) Lighting suitable for any task the resident chooses to do, and any task the staff must do.